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Aircraft:
B-17G Flying Fortress "Liberty Belle" Location: Unknown Photographer: Unknown Registration Info: USAAF Serial# 43-83872 History: The Liberty Foundation’s B-17G (SN 44-85734) has an interesting post-war history. Originally sold on June 25, 1947 as scrap to Esperado Mining Co. of Altus, OK, it sold again later that year to Pratt & Whitney for $2,700. Pratt & Whitney operated the B-17 from November 19, 1947 to 1967 as a heavily modified test bed for their P&W T-34 and T-64 turboprop engines. It became a “5-engine aircraft”, having the powerful prototype engine mounted on the nose! The aircraft was flown “single-engine”, with all four radial engines feathered during test flights. Following this life as a test platform, it was donated in the late 1960s to the Connecticut Aeronautical Historic Association in East Hartford. Unfortunately, it was heavily damaged on October 3, 1979 in a tornado, in which another aircraft was thrown onto the B-17’s mid-section. The wreck was stored in the New England Air Museum, CT from 1981 until 1987. In 1987, Tom Reilly of Kissimmee, FL acquired the aircraft, along with another damaged Fortress (44-85813) with the intention that what was left of the two aircraft could be rebuilt into one flyable example. 44-85734 was moved to the Flying Tiger Museum in 1990 and they began the laborious task of restoring her to flying condition in 1992. With the turn of the millennium, the B-17 was purchased by aviation enthusiast Don Brooks. Having a longtime goal to restore a Flying Fortress, Don had made multiple attempts to acquire a B-17 for over a decade. He helped finance and was directly involved in the Greenland Expedition’s search for B-17’s in Greenland and the recovery of the P-38 “Glacier Girl”. During the Greenland expedition, they discovered a B-17, but it was crushed under the weight of several hundred feet of ice. Not giving up, Don made other efforts to receive salvage rights to recover a B-17 in Canada that has been underwater for over 50 years. Finally, Don became closer to his dream by concluding a deal for 44-85734 being restored at the Flying Tiger’s Museum. Mr. Brooks, whose father flew B-17’s in the 390th bomb group during WWII, founded the Liberty Foundation, a 501(c)3 Museum that owns and will operate the aircraft. He choose to paint it as the “Liberty Belle” to honor his father, the thousands who served in 390th based in Framlingham, England and the many who fought for the Allies. The aircraft will be a living, breathing reminder of these aircraft and the men who flew and supported them. Don has been responsible for the preservation of several other vintage aircraft, including a C-47 that was used during the 1944 D-Day invasion and is completing the restoration of a rare P-40. His drive and dedication is extraordinary and we all look forward to seeing the results of his vision. In February 2004, after over 12 years since the restoration began, the B-17 was extracted with only inches to spare from within the hangar’s confines. Being 90% reassembled, it is in the final stages of restoration and once again gracefully take to the air this summer! The restoration exceeds 3-million dollars and its operation will only possible by the generous contributions and private donations received. |
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